2013 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.5L 4 cylinder

Summary:

Expensive but high quality

Faults:

Clutch pedal replaced 3 times; Toyota has issues with the clutch pedal design of all pre 2016 models. Never stopped squeaking/groaning when pushed. Issue was never resolved.

That's my only complaint. The issue has been resolved on the 2016+ models.

General Comments:

No real issues otherwise, very well built.

I recently bought a 2017 Tacoma V6 TRD, much better. Avoid the 4 cylinder models, the V6 gets the same gas mileage and you can actually pass on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2018

2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Double Cab 4.0 V6

Faults:

Popped a tire on a gravel road. Wouldn't recommend offroading on stock tires - they seem prone to punctures. Also tore off 2 mudflaps going off a curb.

General Comments:

It's a good looking truck. It handles well and is pretty quick off the line. Tops out at 110 mph.

I like the touchscreen stereo.

It's pretty good in the mud. I have the Sport model with a limited slip rear.

It's a decent truck, but I don't like it and here's why:

It gets lousy gas mileage when towing (like 10-12 MPG pulling a 3500lb trailer). Around 20 on the freeway. My Dad's F150 Ecoboost gets 22 MPG freeway and will EASILY outpull this thing. Annoys me how gutless my Taco is. I even nicknamed it "Gutless Supreme". I have to keep it out of overdrive whenever I tow anything over 1500lb to keep the transmission from 5th to 4th gear constantly. My Dad's F150 will lug the same 3500lb trailer up a certain hill in 6th gear while my Taco struggles in 3rd. That's BS if you ask me!! I got the factory tow package rated around 6400lb; I highly doubt it will pull it without blowing the tranny.

The hood scoop looks cool, but it sticks out too much to the point where it interferes. The truck has way too many blind spots thanks to the big fat A, B, and C pillars. Also on a sunny day, if the truck just got washed, the light reflecting from the hood scoop will blind you.

The bed is made of plastic, and ladder racks are hard to find and twice as expensive as normal trucks. The bed doesn't have the channels at the top where you'd normally screw clamps for the ladder rack, and if you drill into the bed, it will void the warranty according to Toyota. So if you want the truck for construction, think twice. Also a toolbox is like 5 or 6 bills. You can't use a cheaper universal toolbox, because you can't drill the bed.

The backseat is pretty cramped, and the seats don't fold up like most other trucks for a flat load floor. There's a tiny storage compartment underneath the rear seat.

I have a love/hate relationship with this truck. Hope to sell it next year and buy a used F350 Powerstroke or Dodge 2500 diesel. Maybe it's not reliable like a Toyota, but at least they have balls and will pull Mt Everest out of the ground.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd June, 2015

2013 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 SR5 2.7L

Summary:

Quality

Faults:

Nothing yet.

Transmission is slowly breaking in; it was pretty jerky from the factory.

The transmission doesn't like cold, -20C or lower; it grinds a bit between shifts until it warms up.

Clutch pedal sticky when at -20C and not warmed up.

General Comments:

Fairly comfortable.

Need to rev it to 3000 RPM to get a smooth gear change.

Pretty good on gas, averaging 10L to 11L/100KM.

4 wheel drive is a lifesaver.

Handles well, traction control is really good.

The engine is a lot like a Civic engine; you need to downshift to pass; don't even think about passing at less than 3000 RPM.

I would call this the Honda Civic of trucks; good on gas, reliable, not too fancy, not very fast. If you want to haul ass with leather, get the high end version or an F150.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 2014

14th Mar 2014, 17:20

OK, follow up to my original review.

24,000 km.

Dealer replaced clutch pedal and master cylinder. TSB recall for grinding and noisy creaking when pushing/releasing pedal.

Everything has really smoothed out, transmission is silky smooth, engine is refined and quiet. No further issues.

Gas mileage continues to improve. Overall, I would increase my review to a 9/10. Dealer actually addressed the issue. Best truck I've owned.

2013 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.7L

Summary:

Most reliable truck I've ever owned

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Traded in my 2003 reg cab 4x4 for a 2013 model of the exact same truck.

It has a very high trade in value.

It's a basic truck with crank windows. Rides great, plenty of room without being a full size truck. The great composite bed eliminates the need for a bed liner.

Gas mileage so far is 21.9 MPG. Not bad for a 4x4 with auto trans. Enough power for my use.

Refined engine, quiet and smooth shifting trans.

Reliable and American made.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 2013

12th Nov 2013, 16:39

How can somebody say it's a reliable truck with only 7,000 miles?

13th Nov 2013, 06:42

Most new vehicles are reliable. With age, less so.

13th Nov 2013, 23:21

That's the point: when the vehicle ages in about 4-5 years, this could be the worst vehicle they ever owned.

2013 Toyota Tacoma 4.0

Summary:

Terrible

Faults:

Airbag sensors have shorted out at 975 miles.

LSD light occasionally comes on.

Honestly this truck is junk. The dealership 15 miles from me refuses to look at it. I've actually got to take it to a dealership 100 miles away.

General Comments:

100% junk.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th October, 2013